Latest news with #Davidson
The Advertiser
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Advertiser
Clausen questions lord mayor over 'help session' for independent probe submissions
LORD mayor Ross Kerridge found himself in the hot seat at this week's council meeting over a session his campaign supporters held to help Novocastrians make submissions to an independent probe into the City of Newcastle. More than 840 submissions were made to the Davidson Business Advisory review into the council's policies, processes and procedures. Labor Cr Declan Clausen peppered independent Cr Kerridge with questions about the "appropriateness" of the Our Newcastle submission-writing session held by a group of people he described as having "conspiratorial views" about the administration of the council. "That workshop specifically required or requested that participants send copies of their submissions to you in addition to submitting them to the Davidson review. Can you give us an idea about the volume of the submissions and how many of those might have come from Sydney?" Cr Clausen said. "Having now considered the findings of the Davidson review, do you wish to comment on the appropriateness of that, given that it appears that a group of people had conspiratorial views, frankly, about the administration of council, that conspiracy theorists largely, based on the advice that we've been provided and how many of those claims were rebuked, worked together to create submissions believing some malfeasance in council, do you want to provide some comment on that?" Our Newcastle is a grassroots group that was formally formed after the 2024 City of Newcastle local government elections and supported Cr Kerridge in his campaign. The full 36-page review report was released late last week. Cr Kerridge said he did not attend the help session on January 23 and was not involved in its organisation. "I wasn't there, but certainly I know the Our Newcastle group offered to help people put in submissions," he said. "Some of the people putting in submissions were not particularly technologically literate and just wanted assistance in doing that. "I don't think there was anything illegitimate about the submissions." An email written under the Our Newcastle letterhead invited recipients to drop in if they would like help with their submission or to chat through their ideas. The letter requested recipients tell Our Newcastle when they had made a submission. "No need to share any details - we're just trying to keep track of how many submissions are going in where we can," the letter said. "This is a real chance to help shape how our council works - they're looking at everything from general governance to major projects." Council papers revealed that the majority of more than 800 submissions to the review, some 70 per cent, were made from suburbs in Sydney. That 70 per cent figure did not appear in the Davidson report. Despite having access to a figure that was not made public in the report, the council and Davidson have repeatedly failed to answer questions from the Newcastle Herald about it. Just this week, the Herald sent follow-up questions to the council asking how it got access to the 70 per cent figure, why it felt it was important to highlight it in a report to councillors, what steps, if any, the council took to verify the information and whether it is the result of an IP address issue or submitters entered Sydney postcodes. Questions about key themes present in the Sydney-based submissions also went unanswered. Instead, a City of Newcastle spokeswoman said the council placed no restriction on the identity or location of any person wishing to make a submission. "Davidson has previously stated that when individuals made multiple submissions, it did not occur excessively," she said. "Those that did make multiple submissions made additional submissions on multiple (separate) topics." Of the 800 submissions received, 548 were made by individuals. LORD mayor Ross Kerridge found himself in the hot seat at this week's council meeting over a session his campaign supporters held to help Novocastrians make submissions to an independent probe into the City of Newcastle. More than 840 submissions were made to the Davidson Business Advisory review into the council's policies, processes and procedures. Labor Cr Declan Clausen peppered independent Cr Kerridge with questions about the "appropriateness" of the Our Newcastle submission-writing session held by a group of people he described as having "conspiratorial views" about the administration of the council. "That workshop specifically required or requested that participants send copies of their submissions to you in addition to submitting them to the Davidson review. Can you give us an idea about the volume of the submissions and how many of those might have come from Sydney?" Cr Clausen said. "Having now considered the findings of the Davidson review, do you wish to comment on the appropriateness of that, given that it appears that a group of people had conspiratorial views, frankly, about the administration of council, that conspiracy theorists largely, based on the advice that we've been provided and how many of those claims were rebuked, worked together to create submissions believing some malfeasance in council, do you want to provide some comment on that?" Our Newcastle is a grassroots group that was formally formed after the 2024 City of Newcastle local government elections and supported Cr Kerridge in his campaign. The full 36-page review report was released late last week. Cr Kerridge said he did not attend the help session on January 23 and was not involved in its organisation. "I wasn't there, but certainly I know the Our Newcastle group offered to help people put in submissions," he said. "Some of the people putting in submissions were not particularly technologically literate and just wanted assistance in doing that. "I don't think there was anything illegitimate about the submissions." An email written under the Our Newcastle letterhead invited recipients to drop in if they would like help with their submission or to chat through their ideas. The letter requested recipients tell Our Newcastle when they had made a submission. "No need to share any details - we're just trying to keep track of how many submissions are going in where we can," the letter said. "This is a real chance to help shape how our council works - they're looking at everything from general governance to major projects." Council papers revealed that the majority of more than 800 submissions to the review, some 70 per cent, were made from suburbs in Sydney. That 70 per cent figure did not appear in the Davidson report. Despite having access to a figure that was not made public in the report, the council and Davidson have repeatedly failed to answer questions from the Newcastle Herald about it. Just this week, the Herald sent follow-up questions to the council asking how it got access to the 70 per cent figure, why it felt it was important to highlight it in a report to councillors, what steps, if any, the council took to verify the information and whether it is the result of an IP address issue or submitters entered Sydney postcodes. Questions about key themes present in the Sydney-based submissions also went unanswered. Instead, a City of Newcastle spokeswoman said the council placed no restriction on the identity or location of any person wishing to make a submission. "Davidson has previously stated that when individuals made multiple submissions, it did not occur excessively," she said. "Those that did make multiple submissions made additional submissions on multiple (separate) topics." Of the 800 submissions received, 548 were made by individuals. LORD mayor Ross Kerridge found himself in the hot seat at this week's council meeting over a session his campaign supporters held to help Novocastrians make submissions to an independent probe into the City of Newcastle. More than 840 submissions were made to the Davidson Business Advisory review into the council's policies, processes and procedures. Labor Cr Declan Clausen peppered independent Cr Kerridge with questions about the "appropriateness" of the Our Newcastle submission-writing session held by a group of people he described as having "conspiratorial views" about the administration of the council. "That workshop specifically required or requested that participants send copies of their submissions to you in addition to submitting them to the Davidson review. Can you give us an idea about the volume of the submissions and how many of those might have come from Sydney?" Cr Clausen said. "Having now considered the findings of the Davidson review, do you wish to comment on the appropriateness of that, given that it appears that a group of people had conspiratorial views, frankly, about the administration of council, that conspiracy theorists largely, based on the advice that we've been provided and how many of those claims were rebuked, worked together to create submissions believing some malfeasance in council, do you want to provide some comment on that?" Our Newcastle is a grassroots group that was formally formed after the 2024 City of Newcastle local government elections and supported Cr Kerridge in his campaign. The full 36-page review report was released late last week. Cr Kerridge said he did not attend the help session on January 23 and was not involved in its organisation. "I wasn't there, but certainly I know the Our Newcastle group offered to help people put in submissions," he said. "Some of the people putting in submissions were not particularly technologically literate and just wanted assistance in doing that. "I don't think there was anything illegitimate about the submissions." An email written under the Our Newcastle letterhead invited recipients to drop in if they would like help with their submission or to chat through their ideas. The letter requested recipients tell Our Newcastle when they had made a submission. "No need to share any details - we're just trying to keep track of how many submissions are going in where we can," the letter said. "This is a real chance to help shape how our council works - they're looking at everything from general governance to major projects." Council papers revealed that the majority of more than 800 submissions to the review, some 70 per cent, were made from suburbs in Sydney. That 70 per cent figure did not appear in the Davidson report. Despite having access to a figure that was not made public in the report, the council and Davidson have repeatedly failed to answer questions from the Newcastle Herald about it. Just this week, the Herald sent follow-up questions to the council asking how it got access to the 70 per cent figure, why it felt it was important to highlight it in a report to councillors, what steps, if any, the council took to verify the information and whether it is the result of an IP address issue or submitters entered Sydney postcodes. Questions about key themes present in the Sydney-based submissions also went unanswered. Instead, a City of Newcastle spokeswoman said the council placed no restriction on the identity or location of any person wishing to make a submission. "Davidson has previously stated that when individuals made multiple submissions, it did not occur excessively," she said. "Those that did make multiple submissions made additional submissions on multiple (separate) topics." Of the 800 submissions received, 548 were made by individuals. LORD mayor Ross Kerridge found himself in the hot seat at this week's council meeting over a session his campaign supporters held to help Novocastrians make submissions to an independent probe into the City of Newcastle. More than 840 submissions were made to the Davidson Business Advisory review into the council's policies, processes and procedures. Labor Cr Declan Clausen peppered independent Cr Kerridge with questions about the "appropriateness" of the Our Newcastle submission-writing session held by a group of people he described as having "conspiratorial views" about the administration of the council. "That workshop specifically required or requested that participants send copies of their submissions to you in addition to submitting them to the Davidson review. Can you give us an idea about the volume of the submissions and how many of those might have come from Sydney?" Cr Clausen said. "Having now considered the findings of the Davidson review, do you wish to comment on the appropriateness of that, given that it appears that a group of people had conspiratorial views, frankly, about the administration of council, that conspiracy theorists largely, based on the advice that we've been provided and how many of those claims were rebuked, worked together to create submissions believing some malfeasance in council, do you want to provide some comment on that?" Our Newcastle is a grassroots group that was formally formed after the 2024 City of Newcastle local government elections and supported Cr Kerridge in his campaign. The full 36-page review report was released late last week. Cr Kerridge said he did not attend the help session on January 23 and was not involved in its organisation. "I wasn't there, but certainly I know the Our Newcastle group offered to help people put in submissions," he said. "Some of the people putting in submissions were not particularly technologically literate and just wanted assistance in doing that. "I don't think there was anything illegitimate about the submissions." An email written under the Our Newcastle letterhead invited recipients to drop in if they would like help with their submission or to chat through their ideas. The letter requested recipients tell Our Newcastle when they had made a submission. "No need to share any details - we're just trying to keep track of how many submissions are going in where we can," the letter said. "This is a real chance to help shape how our council works - they're looking at everything from general governance to major projects." Council papers revealed that the majority of more than 800 submissions to the review, some 70 per cent, were made from suburbs in Sydney. That 70 per cent figure did not appear in the Davidson report. Despite having access to a figure that was not made public in the report, the council and Davidson have repeatedly failed to answer questions from the Newcastle Herald about it. Just this week, the Herald sent follow-up questions to the council asking how it got access to the 70 per cent figure, why it felt it was important to highlight it in a report to councillors, what steps, if any, the council took to verify the information and whether it is the result of an IP address issue or submitters entered Sydney postcodes. Questions about key themes present in the Sydney-based submissions also went unanswered. Instead, a City of Newcastle spokeswoman said the council placed no restriction on the identity or location of any person wishing to make a submission. "Davidson has previously stated that when individuals made multiple submissions, it did not occur excessively," she said. "Those that did make multiple submissions made additional submissions on multiple (separate) topics." Of the 800 submissions received, 548 were made by individuals.
Sunday World
3 days ago
- Sunday World
Man acted like ‘bull in a china shop' when he grabbed garda and threatened to choke him
Michael Davidson, Meeting House Lane, Linenhall Street, Dundalk, had been walking along the centre of the road in front of a Garda patrol vehicle before the incident occurred. A 43-year-old man grabbed a Garda by the lapels, forced him against a wall and threatened to choke him, Dundalk Court has heard. Michael Davidson, Meeting House Lane, Linenhall Street, Dundalk, had been walking along the centre of the road in front of a Garda patrol vehicle before the incident occurred. He pleaded guilty to being intoxicated in public, using or engaging in threatening, abusive or insulting behaviour or words, obstructing a Garda in the execution of his duty and a Section 35 pedestrian offence at Quay Street, Dundalk, on December 7, 2023. Dundalk Court. Stock image. News in 90 Seconds - May 30th Evidence was given that the defendant was walking in the centre of the road ahead of a patrol vehicle. He stopped and began shouting at it. Mr Davidson refused to move on several occasions before the Garda drove around him, pulled in and got out. The man again refused to move. He was shouting aggressively at the officer and, while being escorted, grabbed him by the lapels and forced him against a wall. He attempted to strike the Garda and said that he would choke him. He referred to 'a previous attack he carried out with a bottle'. There were 51 previous convictions. Barrister Niall Mackin said that the defendant was on medication and had addiction issues at the time. He completed a Turas Counselling Service course and was clean since. Mr Davidson had one child, one grandchild and was carer for his partner. He instructed that he would not be in trouble again. He had €300 to offer. Judge Nicola Andrews said she wouldn't let a situation pass with a charitable donation when a Garda was attacked. The defendant 'was like a bull in a china shop,' the judge added. He was remanded on continuing bail to June 11 for a probation report and community service assessment. Funded by the Courts Reporting Scheme
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Pete Davidson Uncovers a Retirement Community Serial Killer in ‘The Home' Trailer
Pete Davidson is making his horror debut with the latest thriller from 'The Purge' creator James DeMonaco. After starring in killer comedy 'Bodies Bodies Bodies,' Davidson fully leans into the genre with DeMonaco's 'The Home' which is set in a retirement community. Davidson plays a rebellious twentysomething who is sentenced to community service at the seemingly-quiet nursing home. However, the residents on the fourth floor are strictly off-limits due to their 'special care' procedures. As the logline teases, 'as his suspicions grow and he digs deeper, he uncovers a chilling secret that puts both the residents' lives and his own in grave danger.' John Glover and Bruce Altman also star. DeMonaco directs from a script he co-wrote with Adam Cantor. More from IndieWire Cannes 2025 Films Sold So Far: Janus Films Acquires Hlynur Pálmason's 'The Love That Remains' Ana de Armas 'Hated' Singing in Ron Howard's 'Eden': 'I Would Rather Do 100 Stunts' 'When I set out to create 'The Home,' I aimed to capture the spine-chilling eeriness of 70's horror, where suspense simmers and ultimately erupts into glorious chaos,' DeMonaco said. 'Joining me is my Staten Island brother, Pete Davidson, who unveils a darker, dramatic side as his character navigates a bizarre group of residents in an old age home. The growing tension culminates in an epic blood-soaked finale, designed to leave audiences gasping, terrified, and cheering. I can't wait for everyone to visit The Home. Cover your eyes, folks.' 'The Home' is produced by Bill Block and Sebastien K. Lemercier. In addition to 'The Home,' Davidson recently has appeared in 'Riff Raff' and is set to star in 'The Pickup' alongside Eddie Murphy. Davidson also returned to 'Saturday Night Live' for the 'SNL50' event earlier this year; the actor starred on the sketch series from 2014 to 2022. 'I think I was very lucky to get my own own video [during the 'SNL50' special],' Davidson told Variety. 'There's 1,000 cast members and hundreds that are more popular and did better work than I did while I was there. I was just very grateful to be in a sketch and have a video and even just be invited. It was very surreal to see.' Davidson added, 'I know I was there for almost a decade but even when I came back and hosted, I was like, 'Wow, I do know all these guys.' I know [creator] Lorne [Michaels], I know most of the cast. It just hits different when you see, like, Meryl Streep doing a sketch. And I also know it was a bunch of people who were in nothing so I'm just very grateful. It was a really surreal moment, and I'm happy that it went well for Lorne and just for the history and the integrity of the institution.' He added that Michaels, who executive produced Davidson's meta Peacock series 'Bupkis,' was a father figure to him. Lionsgate and Roadside Attractions will co-release 'The Home' in theaters July 25. Check out the trailer below. Best of IndieWire Guillermo del Toro's Favorite Movies: 56 Films the Director Wants You to See 'Song of the South': 14 Things to Know About Disney's Most Controversial Movie The 55 Best LGBTQ Movies and TV Shows Streaming on Netflix Right Now
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Department of Education yanks back $5.6M from JD Vance's hometown school district
Middletown's school district ‒ where Vice President JD Vance was a student ‒ stands to lose millions of promised federal dollars after a funding recall from the U.S. Department of Education, the district said. The Department of Education is recalling roughly $15 million across 18 Ohio school districts, Dan Wohler, the Middletown City Schools spokesperson, told The Enquirer. The funds were previously awarded to districts through two COVID-era relief programs: the American Rescue Plan, and Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief. Middletown City Schools stands to lose $5.6 million in funds, which the district planned to use to build a new transportation center. The district was approved to receive $6.76 million toward the project in February, and had already received $1.2 million. The total cost is $10 million. The Enquirer called the U.S. Department of Education, which President Donald Trump has vowed to dismantle, but its media relations phone line was temporarily closed. The spokesperson for the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce did not immediately return The Enquirer's call. Construction on Middletown schools' transportation center is almost half-done. The new facility will house an updated school bus garage, fueling station and space to perform bus maintenance. School buses are currently being parked at a temporary facility, the lease for which expires this fall, Wohler said. "The new facility is designed to address aging transportation infrastructure and consolidate maintenance operations to better serve MCSD students and families," a statement from the district read. "A $5.6 million shortfall would stall construction indefinitely and risk losing the investments already made." Three local Republican lawmakers wrote letters to Secretary of Education Linda McMahon. Middletown schools provided the content of them to The Enquirer, in support of the district. "As a fiscal conservative, I fully understand the need to cut unnecessary funding and applaud the efforts to eliminate excessive covid-era spending. However, there are certain projects, such as Middletown School's transportation construction project, that deserve flexibility given the investment they have made," U.S. Rep. Warren Davidson wrote. Davidson co-sponsored a bill that would terminate the Department of Education at the end of next year. But the letter to McMahon signals the second time Davidson has gone against the Trump administration in recent weeks. The congressman, who is a staunch Trump supporter, was one of two House Republicans to vote against a major tax and immigration bill, prompting White House officials to say Trump would like to see Davidson primaried. Ohio Rep. Thomas Hall and state Sen. George Lang also wrote letters to McMahon asking the department to release the funds to Middletown schools. "I strongly believe it is unfair for a school to receive approval, begin construction after receiving a portion of the funds, and then be notified they will not be receiving the remainder ‒ nobody can conduct business in this manner," Lang wrote. Wohler, the district spokesperson, said Middletown schools also reached out to Vance. The Middletown native held his first rally as a vice presidential candidate at Middletown High School, his alma mater, last July. The Enquirer also asked Vance's spokesperson for comment, but has not yet received a response. This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: School district in JD Vance's hometown to lose $5.6M in federal funds
Irish Independent
4 days ago
- Irish Independent
Louth man (43) acted like ‘bull in a china shop' when grabbing Garda
Michael Davidson, Meeting House Lane, Linenhall Street, Dundalk, had been walking along the centre of the road in front of a Garda patrol vehicle before the incident occurred. He pleaded guilty to being intoxicated in public, using or engaging in threatening, abusive or insulting behaviour or words, obstructing a Garda in the execution of his duty and a Section 35 pedestrian offence at Quay Street, Dundalk, on December 7, 2023. Evidence was given that the defendant was walking in the centre of the road ahead of a patrol vehicle. He stopped and began shouting at it. Mr Davidson refused to move on several occasions before the Garda drove around him, pulled in and got out. The man again refused to move. He was shouting aggressively at the officer and, while being escorted, grabbed him by the lapels and forced him against a wall. He attempted to strike the Garda and said that he would choke him. He referred to 'a previous attack he carried out with a bottle'. There were 51 previous convictions. Barrister Niall Mackin said that the defendant was on medication and had addiction issues at the time. He completed a Turas Counselling Service course and was clean since. Mr Davidson had one child, one grandchild and was carer for his partner. He instructed that he would not be in trouble again. He had €300 to offer. Judge Nicola Andrews said she wouldn't let a situation pass with a charitable donation when a Garda was attacked. The defendant 'was like a bull in a china shop,' the judge added. He was remanded on continuing bail to June 11 for a probation report and community service assessment.
